Prognosis

Life expectancy is not necessarily affected [this is dependent on type and level of lesion] although life-threatening complications remain a lifelong risk.

Survival at 17 years is 78% with myelomeningocele.

In adulthood, because of risk factors such as obesity and sedentary lifestyle there is increased risk of cardiovascular disease (Buffart et al., 2008 and Dosa et al., 2009) as well as thromboembolic disease (Oakeshott et al, 2009)

Increased risk for sleep apnea (Liptak and El Samra, 2010)

More often central in early life, due to the Chiari II malformation (Juranek and Salman, 2010) while obstructive apnea is also an issue in adult life (Pasterkamp et al, 1989)